YEREVAN. – Armenia must not join such an authoritarian structure as Customs Union, head of the Union of Employers Gagik Makaryan said.

He believes the European Union with its standards and business environment must be Armenia’s priority and the country’s targeted partner.

“The Customs Union obviously rests only on Russia, as Belarus has only 0.8 percent in Armenia’s foreign trade, while Kazakhstan – 0.2 percent. Besides, you are well aware of business environment and the state-business contacts in Russia,” he told reporters.

Makaryan said claims that “Armenia will do well without Europe” speaks about “feudal thinking”.  He expressed hope that the country’s leadership will find the opportunity to sign a cooperation agreement with the European Union instead of the Association Agreement.

President Serzh Sargsyan voiced intention to join the Customs Union on September 3 in Moscow.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am